In the last 20 years, the special election turnout for Bogalusa City tax increases has typically been low.

In fact, the turnouts ranged from a high of 602 votes in the May 4, 2002, election to a low of 159 votes in the May 3, 2014, election. In the 2014 election, only 39 people in the entire city showed up to vote against the tax. Even though the turnouts were low, all of these taxes passed.

One thing is clear, we spoke in volume on April 28, 2018, with a total of 1,468 votes. This may have been the most votes Bogalusa has ever had in a special election dealing with taxes in its history, especially in terms of percentage of population.

Although some people see color, and their awareness is centered on black and white, it takes a collective effort to make change happen. It is amazing what we can do together.

According to my research, the six majority-black precincts had a total of 547 “no” votes, with an average “no” vote percentage of 83.1 percent. The seven majority-white precincts had a total of 473 “no” votes, with an average “no” vote percentage of 74 percent. The total number of “yes” votes in the entire city was only 327.

I pray we realize our problems are not about race. The next election is Nov. 6, 2018. We need to stay focused on change and keep the momentum going.

Thank you for exercising your right to vote. Great job, Bogalusa.

Tina Ratliff

Bogalusa